Hello BWelsh!

Thank you so much for your interest in DIY Costa Rica!

This is a good question, and one that I imagine a lot of readers will ask themselves over the coming years as the new (October 2018) Planet Hollywood resort in Costa Rica grows in popularity.

This particular resort is located on the Papagayo Peninsula, which is where most of Costa Rica’s top all-inclusive resorts are located. The region caters to resort travelers, so if you’re looking to have the quintessential all-inclusive resort experience, you’ll certainly find it in this region of Costa Rica. Most of the adventure and nature experiences you’ll have in the area will be resort-coordinated excursions oftentimes sold at inflated prices. It’s worth mentioning, too, that apart from zip-lining (there happens to be a zip-lining tour company operating not far from the Planet Hollywood resort), the majority of other experiences you’ll be offered, such as volcano tours, hot spring visits, national park hikes, cloud forest hikes, white-water rafting trips, snorkeling excursions, etc.) will require a lengthy drive from the resort, typically anywhere between 30 minutes and 3 hours each way. This is important to know in advance, especially if you plan to travel with young children.

A second and different option altogether would be to center yourself in one of Costa Rica’s other popular destinations, outside of an all-inclusive resort. The La Fortuna/Arenal, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio areas are three good places to consider visiting if you’re open to staying in a different area. This would be the best option if you’re planning on being active during your vacation (to minimize unnecessary drive time and inflated costs). If you don’t plan on being too active while on vacation, maybe just doing one or two local tours, then going with one of the Papagayo Peninsula’s all-inclusive resorts (like Planet Hollywood) is likely your best bet. 🙂

Pura vida!